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What is a Byline And Where Do You Put it in Your Article?

• February 26, 2024
• blogging , Freelancing Tips

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What is a byline, the importance of the byline | attributing authorship and building trust, what are the different types of bylines in writing, where can i put a byline, how to write a byline.

Have you ever flipped through a magazine or scrolled through news articles and wondered, “Who wrote this captivating piece?” The answer often lies in a simple yet crucial element: the byline.

This seemingly small detail carries significant weight, both for writers and readers alike. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of bylines, exploring their meaning, purpose, and best practices for placement.

Whether you’re a seasoned writer or embarking on your writing journey, understanding the power of the byline is essential.

It not only credits the individual behind the words but also serves as a key element in building an authorial brand and fostering trust with readers.

So, buckle up as we unveil the byline’s significance and guide you on where to strategically place it within your articles.

Read Also: The Beginner’s Guide to Writing a Memoir: Finding Your Story

In an article, a byline is a line of text that identifies the author of the piece. It typically appears either below the title or at the end of the article and can include the following information:

• Author’s name:  This is the most common element of a byline.
• Title or credentials:  Sometimes, the byline might also mention the author’s title (e.g., Dr., Professor, etc.) or relevant academic or professional qualifications.
• Brief bio:  In some instances, particularly for online content or guest posts, the byline can include a brief author bio outlining their expertise, experience, or other relevant information.

The purpose of a byline is multifaceted:

• Credits the author:  It acknowledges the creator’s effort, expertise, and unique perspective in crafting the piece.
• Builds trust with readers:  By knowing who wrote the article, readers gain a sense of the writer’s voice, experience, and perspective, fostering trust and credibility.
• Establishes an authorial brand:  Consistent use of bylines helps authors build a recognizable name and reputation, making them more sought-after for future writing opportunities.
• Provides context and credibility:  In certain contexts, a byline can add important context to the content, especially if it comes from a subject-matter expert or a reputable journalist.

There are various forms of bylines depending on the platform and context, including:

• Simple byline:  Just the author’s name.
• Enhanced byline:  Includes additional information like titles, credentials, or a brief bio.
• Company byline:  Used for content created by a team or organization.
• Anonymous byline:  Used for content where the author’s identity isn’t revealed.
• Ghostwritten byline:  Credits the individual or entity for whom the content was created, not the actual writer.

By understanding the significance of bylines, their various forms, and best practices for placement, you can effectively utilize this tool to establish your identity as a writer, build trust with your audience, and confidently navigate the writing landscape.

At its core, a byline identifies the author of a written piece. It typically consists of the writer’s name, though it can sometimes include additional information like their title, qualifications, or a brief bio. This seemingly simple attribution serves several important purposes.

1. Crediting the Creator: First and foremost, the byline acknowledges the writer’s contribution. It recognizes their effort, expertise, and unique perspective in crafting the piece. This sense of accountability fosters a sense of ownership and pride in the writer, motivating them to produce high-quality content.

2. Building Trust with Readers: A byline establishes a connection between the author and the reader. By understanding who authored the piece, readers understand the writer’s voice, experience, and perspective. This transparency can build trust and credibility, encouraging readers to engage with the content and potentially seek out more of the author’s work.

3. Establishing an Authorial Brand: Bylines become building blocks for an author’s professional identity. By consistently publishing articles with proper bylines, writers begin to build a recognizable name and reputation within their chosen field. This brand recognition becomes valuable, making writers more sought-after and potentially attracting freelance opportunities or future collaborations.

4. Providing Context and Credibility: In certain contexts, a byline can also add significant context and credibility to the content. For example, an article written by a subject matter expert or a reputable journalist carries more weight in the reader’s eyes compared to an anonymous piece.

Read Also: How Much To Charge For Copywriting | Rates In 2024

While the core purpose of identifying the author remains constant, bylines can manifest in various forms depending on the platform and context. Here are some common variations:

1. Simple Byline: This is the most basic format, typically consisting only of the author’s name. It’s prevalent in online publications, newspapers, and magazine articles.

2. Enhanced Byline: Beyond the name, this format can include additional information such as the author’s title, credentials, or a brief bio. This is often seen in guest posts, expert articles, or personal blogs where authors want to establish their expertise or build their online presence.

3. Company Byline: In some cases, particularly with content generated by a team or organization, the byline might reflect the entity instead of a specific individual. This is common for corporate blogs, press releases, or industry publications.

4. Anonymous Byline: While less common, certain publications or platforms might choose to publish content under an anonymous byline. This can be due to safety concerns, protecting the author’s anonymity, or adhering to editorial policies.

5. Ghostwritten Byline: Some situations involve ghostwriting, where the writer’s name is not officially credited, and the byline might attribute the work to the individual or entity for whom the content was created.

When deciding which byline format to use, consider the following factors:

• Publication Guidelines:  Always consult the platform’s or publication’s specific guidelines regarding byline format and placement.
• Article Purpose:  If your article aims to establish your expertise or build your brand, an enhanced byline with additional information might be beneficial.
• Audience Context:  Consider your target audience and what information might be most relevant and informative for them.

A byline is a short text that appears at the beginning of an article or news story, typically just below the headline. It credits the author or authors of the piece. By providing readers with the name of the person or people who wrote the article, a byline establishes credibility and accountability.

The byline usually includes the author’s full name, but it can also include their professional title, affiliation, or social media handles. In some cases, the byline may also include a brief description of the author’s background or expertise.

Bylines are commonly used in newspapers, magazines, websites, and other forms of media to identify the author of a particular piece of content. They help readers understand who is responsible for the information presented and allow them to make informed judgments about the credibility and reliability of the source.

In terms of placement, the byline is typically located at the beginning of the article, either directly below the headline or slightly to the right. This placement ensures that readers can easily identify the author and understand who is responsible for the content they are about to read.

Related: Mastering the Essentials in Writing: A Guide to Effective Communication

Now that we’ve explored different byline formats, let’s delve into the question of placement. Generally, there are two main locations where bylines are positioned:

1. Below the Title: This is the most frequent placement, appearing directly under the article’s title. It offers immediate recognition for the author, drawing attention to their name early on.

2. At the End of the Article: This placement is typically found in shorter articles, blog posts, or online content. It can be integrated into a brief author bio or a dedicated “About the Author” section below the article’s closing paragraph.

Ultimately, the preferred placement may vary depending on the platform, article format, and specific editorial preferences. However, the key is to ensure consistency within your own work and adhere to the guidelines of the publishing platform.

Here are some additional tips for effective byline placement:

• Maintain consistency:  If you have a preferred format and placement, stick to it for all your publications. This helps build brand recognition and ensures easy identification by your readers.
• Consider visual appeal:  When formatting your byline, pay attention to font size, alignment, and overall aesthetics. Ensure it complements the article’s overall design and remains visually appealing within the layout.
• Optimize for searchability:  If your byline includes your website or social media links, ensure they are clickable and optimized for search engines. This can help readers learn more about you and potentially find your other work.

By understanding the significance of bylines, their various forms, and best practices for placement, you can effectively utilize this tool to establish your identity as a writer, build trust with your audience, and navigate the publishing landscape with confidence. Remember, a well-crafted byline is more than just a name; it’s a sign of ownership, credibility, and a gateway for connecting with your readers on a deeper level.

Whether you’re a novice in the freelance writing arena or a seasoned professional, nailing your byline is crucial. Check out our key recommendations:

• Limit your byline to two or three concise sentences.
• Aim for approximately 50 words.
• Include a high-quality image reflecting your confidence, warmth, and authority.
• Highlight your expertise without overtly promoting your services.
• Infuse personality or a relevant fun fact.
• Provide links to incentives from your product or service range, such as free templates, courses, or recipes.
• Link to your blog or website’s landing page.
• Customize your byline for each publication, ensuring relevance.

Crafting a brief and impactful byline is essential. Readers are drawn to your content for insights and expertise, with information about the author serving as an added bonus. Use powerful words like “effective,” “reputation,” “specialist,” and “mission,” tailoring them to the publication’s tone. Consider the target audience; a financial journal demands a different language than a parenting life hacks blog or a classic motorcycle magazine.

Your choice of photo also plays a role in shaping readers’ perceptions. A confident first impression fosters trust in your words.

Leverage your byline to guide readers to more of your content by including links to your website’s homepage or blog landing page, enhancing your freelance writing following.

Check Also: 27 Best Books On Writing To Make You A Top Writer

The modest byline, often overlooked, holds immense significance for both writers and readers. It acknowledges the author’s contribution, fosters trust with audiences, and lays the groundwork for building a recognizable name in the writing landscape.

By understanding the different forms of bylines, choosing the appropriate placement, and maximizing their potential through various strategies, you can transform this simple element into a powerful tool for your writing career.

Remember, a well-crafted byline is more than just a name printed on paper or displayed on a screen. It’s a mark of ownership, a symbol of credibility, and a gateway to connect with your readers on a deeper level.

So, embrace the power of the byline, use it strategically, and watch your journey as a writer blossom into a vibrant and impactful career.

As you embark on this path, remember to stay curious, keep learning, and most importantly, never stop writing!

A byline is a line of text that identifies the author of a written piece, typically found below the title or at the end of an article. It can include the author’s name, title, credentials, or a brief bio.

Bylines are important for several reasons: They credit the author:  They acknowledge the writer’s contribution and effort. They build trust with readers:  Knowing the author helps readers assess credibility and connect with the author’s voice. They establish an authorial brand:  Consistent use of bylines helps writers build recognition and reputation. They can provide context:  In some cases, the author’s expertise can add context or significance to the content.

Simple byline:  Just the author’s name. Enhanced byline:  Includes additional information like titles, credentials, or a brief bio. Company byline:  Used for content created by a team or organization. Anonymous byline:  Used for content where the author’s identity isn’t revealed. Ghostwritten byline:  Credits the individual or entity for whom the content was created, not the actual writer.

There are two main options for placing your byline: Below the title:  This is the most common placement, offering immediate recognition for the author. At the end of the article:  Typically found in shorter pieces or online content, often within an “About the Author” section.

Here are some ways to maximize your byline: Share your published work on social media:  Promote your work and draw attention to your authorship. Include a call to action:  Add a link to your website or portfolio in your byline. Engage with readers:  Respond to comments and questions to build a community. Track your progress:  Monitor the reach and engagement of your published articles. Network and build relationships:  Use your byline as a conversation starter with potential collaborators or editors.

• https://elnacain.com
• https://thecyphersagency.com
• https://knowadays.com/blog/what-are-bylines-and-how-to-write-one/

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What Are Author Bios and Bylines and How to Write Them (+ Examples)

• Updated on Dec 05, 2023
• No Comments

This page contains affiliate links. Meaning, I get a commission if you purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Read the full disclosure here.

Since I started publishing in magazines and websites owned by somebody else, I’ve had to consider these terms. If you’re a writer, I bet you’ve heard about them yourself. So, today, let’s look at what they are, why and when you need them, and how to write them.

And then, we’ll wrap up with some author bio examples for inspiration.

The Difference Between Author Bios and Bylines

A lot of people confuse author bios and bylines. Believe it or not, I’ve seen some bloggers literally say that bylines and bios are the same thing. They are NOT.

A byline is just the author’s name while a bio includes the name of the author and a paragraph with an overview of the author’s identity and/or accomplishments.

So, first thing first, let’s define a byline and a bio clearly and see how they’re different from each other.

What is an author’s byline?

The screenshot below is an example of a byline from the online magazine Splice Today . The byline with the author’s name (mine!) is in gray in between the headline (title) and the subheading.

In other words, a byline is simply the author’s name and nothing more.

Exceptions to bylines:

• Sometimes, especially in online publications such as personal blogs where there’s only one author—the owner of the blog website—they may choose not to publish their name in every single blog post. In this case, there are no bylines. However, in this scenario, the author’s identity is obvious even without the byline.
• Ghostwriters never get a byline because that is the nature of ghostwriting. These writers’ names are hidden, or they write under someone else’s name. In the latter case, this “someone else” may get a byline even though they’re not the original author.

The screenshot below is from Neil Patel’s blog. Here, there is no byline, but it is clear that Neil Patel is the writer because it is his website. We also see his bio in the sidebar (we’ll talk about author bios in a minute!) and his photos are splashed all over the website, making it obvious who the author is.

However, is it really Neil Patel who wrote this article? Is it possible that a hired/contracted ghostwriter has written this post? We’ll never know because there’s no byline!

Why should you care about bylines?

A byline is proof that you’re the author of a piece of writing. To us writers, bylines help us create our writing portfolios. We need them for our resumes.

If you pitch an editor of The New York Times and tell them you have bylines in The Atlantic and The Washington Post, they’ll likely pay it more attention than a total rando with no bylines.

Even in the world of bloggers, bylines can be handy, especially if you’re a freelance blogger/content writer. SaaS and UX writers, for example, can benefit from having bylines on websites like Zapier, GoDaddy Garage, HubSpot, etc. The reason why so many writers covet guest posts, even when it’s labor without monetary compensation, is for this very reason — they want to build up their writing portfolio.

Without a byline, there’s no proof of your accomplishments. Nobody will know what you’re capable of or if you’re worth hiring or commissioning.

So, unless you’re ghostwriting for a hefty payment, make sure all your writing comes with a byline. Otherwise, there’s no point in publishing in a magazine or blog that isn’t your own.

Should you have a byline in your own blog?

Depends on your personal taste.

In any case, on your own website, you should make it perfectly clear that whatever is written comes from you or has your approval. Basically, you are responsible and accountable for everything that is published on your website.

For example, in Neil Patel’s blog, even though there’s no byline, it is abundantly clear that it is indeed his website. His images are splashed all over the site. His face is basically the brand of his business. No matter who is writing these blog posts, it’s Neil’s words.

Personally, I like having a byline on The Side Blogger . This also allows me to commission other writers or have guest bloggers from time to time and they all publish under their own bylines. So, having a consistent design across the site where you always see the author’s name in every single article is useful.

Now, let’s talk about author bios.

What is an author bio?

The image below shows the author bio of Si Quan Ong who writes on Ahrefs blog .

In blogs or online magazines and news outlets, you may see the author bio in a few different ways:

• In a website, an author bio may not appear alongside the article. But, the byline may be hyperlinked with the author’s bio page (as in, when you click the author’s name, it takes you to a separate page that has the author’s bio and a list of articles they have published on that website.)
• A website may have the author’s bio alongside their article(s) on the same page. It may appear in the sidebar or under the article.
• Some websites have an author page that lists all the articles published by that author on that website, but no bio.
• Some other websites have the byline only and no bio or author page.

Do you need an author bio?

Author bios are typically built into the website’s larger system. Some websites have them. Others don’t. And they’re not nearly as important as a byline. Even if you do not have a bio, your byline proves your authorship of a piece of writing.

To give you an example, I’ve written several pieces for Splice Today and my author page simply includes a list of articles and no bio. But that’s fine. That’s how all of their author pages look like and I don’t care whether or not they include my bio.

But, if a website has author bios built into their system, then they’ll ask you for one. And when they do, you must provide it. And since it’ll be on that website, you better do a good job and not send over a sloppy paragraph, right?

Author bio specifications

All websites have their own specifications for author bios, and they’ll let you know what these are. If you’re writing for a website and they have author bios (do a little research before you pitch them or send over a piece of writing) and they haven’t given you specs, then feel free to ask for these.

Typical specifications include:

• Whether or not you’ll need to give them a profile photo, and if so, what are the required dimensions?
• Is there a minimum and/or maximum word/character count?

How to write an author bio

There’s no rule for writing author bios and it depends entirely on what you’re trying to achieve.

As I said earlier, the byline is the most important thing for a writer; the bio is a sweet extra.

What to include in an author bio:

I’ve seen writers include one or more of the following in their author bios.

• Personal details (pronouns, sexuality, BIPOC denomination, or whatever establishes their identity, personality, background, etc.)
• Past publications
• Author’s social media and/or website
• Author’s location (it doesn’t have to be specific, just the state/province or even just the country is fine.)

Author bio examples

Let’s look at a few author bio examples, shall we?

A mini resume

Often, SaaS, UX, and content writers will use their bio as a mini resume and they’ll list what they do, where their expertise lie, and a link to their website or a larger portfolio. This way, potential employers or anyone interested in hiring a writer with similar skill sets can get in touch with the author.

Below you’ll see an example of an author bio from Hubspot . I like it because it’s short but gets to the point quickly — introduces who Stephanie Trovato is and who she’s worked with to establish her expertise — all business, no play but that’s perfect for these short bios.

Stephanie is a content marketing expert with a passion for connecting the dots of strategy and content. She has worked with industry leaders including HubSpot, Oracle, Travel + Leisure, and Forbes.

You’re not only your job title

Krystina Martinez’s author bio on Zapier is a mix of business and fun facts about herself. I like this one a lot! It doesn’t have a link to her website or a long list of past clients, but maybe that’s not necessary? I mean, but the sound of it, she has a J.O.B. as a content writer at Zapier, so maybe the bio is just a nice touch here and not so much a tool for prospecting new clients or employers.

Krystina Martinez is a writer on Zapier’s content marketing team, based in Dallas, Texas. When she’s not working, you can find her sewing, exercising, or watching anime and gymnastics.

The braggart

If you have names like the New York Times and the New Yorker on your resume, wouldn’t you want to boast too? That’s what Hala Alyan has done in Guernica .

Hala Alyan is a Palestinian American writer and clinical psychologist whose work has appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, POETRY, and elsewhere. Her poetry collections have won the Arab American Book Award and the Crab Orchard Series, and her debut novel, Salt Houses, won the Dayton Literary Peace Prize. Her latest novel, The Arsonists’ City, was a finalist for the 2022 Aspen Words Literary Prize. Her forthcoming collection of poetry, The Moon That Turns You Back, will be published by Ecco.

Vainglory is not mandatory

In the end, nobody really cares about your author bio… except maybe you.

Let me remind you once again: your byline is more important than your author bio. If you want to brag about your long list of accomplishments in that tiny paragraph or two, you’re really just tickling your own ego… which is totally fine, by the way. I mean, when I’ve published in Guernica or Granta or the Paris Review , you bet I’ll be listing those names off on all of my bios whether or not other people give a damn! ‘Cause I do, dammit!

My point is, if you don’t care about listing off your past publications, that’s totally fine. The author bio has neither made nor dismantled anybody’s writing career as far as I know.

Here’s a modest author bio of Doug Crandell from The Sun magazine even though he has plenty to brag about.

Doug Crandell has fallen in love with fall crocuses. He plants the bulbs on a little farm in Douglasville, Georgia.

A few tips for author bios

Earlier I said an author bio neither makes nor breaks a career. I stand by it.

However, I also kinda sorta implied that nobody cares about your bio except for you.

Well, that may not be so true, after all.

Here’s why I’m contradicting myself: The only times I care to read an author bio is when I’ve been really impressed by a certain piece of writing. As a reader, I become interested in the person behind the words, so I click the byline and try to find out more about the author.

So, it may be that while bios are not as important for building a career as a byline, they’re still a great way to build connections with readers.

The publishing world looks very different these days, thanks to social media. If you have your own following, you can market your work more effectively, on your own, without having to rely on a third-party PR team. So, a bio could very well be a place where you try to woo your readers into following you or learning more about you.

A crafty writer may convince a reader to buy their books, or follow them on social, or sign up for their newsletter just by flirting their way through that teeny-tiny author bio!

So, brag away if you want to, or use humor to charm your reader, or do both! It’s up to you how to want to engage your readers, after all.

And finally, know that you can craft a bio based on where your writing appears.

For example, this is what my bio looks like on this website: a mix of business and some personal details:

Maliha (they/she) is a writer, blogger, editor, and content marketer. They’re the owner of  The Side Blogger , a Canva Verified Expert, and a confident procrastinator at large.

But I have a totally different bio on Porter House Review where I published a short personal essay last year. Here I wrote whatever I wanted, really. I didn’t even mention anything about content marketing or blogging because, in an author bio for a literary magazine where I published creative nonfiction, these qualifications are unnecessary.

Maliha is an electrical engineer and writer of essays and short stories. She lives in sunny Colorado despite a mild sun allergy, spends way too much time walking around aimlessly or reading in libraries or drinking chai in coffee shops, and has a thing for analog cameras, especially Polaroids.

That is all.

I hope this post helps you understand the difference between an author byline (literally a line in a piece of writing with the author’s name in it) and an author bio (a mini-biography of one or two paragraphs at most) and gives you enough ideas to draw from when you’re writing your own bio.

Questions or thoughts? Share in the comments below.

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A step-by-step guide for creating and formatting APA Style student papers

The start of the semester is the perfect time to learn how to create and format APA Style student papers. This article walks through the formatting steps needed to create an APA Style student paper, starting with a basic setup that applies to the entire paper (margins, font, line spacing, paragraph alignment and indentation, and page headers). It then covers formatting for the major sections of a student paper: the title page, the text, tables and figures, and the reference list. Finally, it concludes by describing how to organize student papers and ways to improve their quality and presentation.

The guidelines for student paper setup are described and shown using annotated diagrams in the Student Paper Setup Guide (PDF, 3.40MB) and the A Step-by-Step Guide to APA Style Student Papers webinar . Chapter 1 of the Concise Guide to APA Style and Chapter 2 of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association describe the elements, format, and organization for student papers. Tables and figures are covered in Chapter 7 of both books. Information on paper format and tables and figures and a full sample student paper are also available on the APA Style website.

Basic setup

The guidelines for basic setup apply to the entire paper. Perform these steps when you first open your document, and then you do not have to worry about them again while writing your paper. Because these are general aspects of paper formatting, they apply to all APA Style papers, student or professional. Students should always check with their assigning instructor or institution for specific guidelines for their papers, which may be different than or in addition to APA Style guidelines.

Seventh edition APA Style was designed with modern word-processing programs in mind. Most default settings in programs such as Academic Writer, Microsoft Word, and Google Docs already comply with APA Style. This means that, for most paper elements, you do not have to make any changes to the default settings of your word-processing program. However, you may need to make a few adjustments before you begin writing.

Use 1-in. margins on all sides of the page (top, bottom, left, and right). This is usually how papers are automatically set.

Use a legible font. The default font of your word-processing program is acceptable. Many sans serif and serif fonts can be used in APA Style, including 11-point Calibri, 11-point Arial, 12-point Times New Roman, and 11-point Georgia. You can also use other fonts described on the font page of the website.

Line spacing

Double-space the entire paper including the title page, block quotations, and the reference list. This is something you usually must set using the paragraph function of your word-processing program. But once you do, you will not have to change the spacing for the entirety of your paper–just double-space everything. Do not add blank lines before or after headings. Do not add extra spacing between paragraphs. For paper sections with different line spacing, see the line spacing page.

Paragraph alignment and indentation

Align all paragraphs of text in the body of your paper to the left margin. Leave the right margin ragged. Do not use full justification. Indent the first line of every paragraph of text 0.5-in. using the tab key or the paragraph-formatting function of your word-processing program. For paper sections with different alignment and indentation, see the paragraph alignment and indentation page.

Page numbers

Put a page number in the top right of every page header , including the title page, starting with page number 1. Use the automatic page-numbering function of your word-processing program to insert the page number in the top right corner; do not type the page numbers manually. The page number is the same font and font size as the text of your paper. Student papers do not require a running head on any page, unless specifically requested by the instructor.

Title page setup

Title page elements.

APA Style has two title page formats: student and professional (for details, see title page setup ). Unless instructed otherwise, students should use the student title page format and include the following elements, in the order listed, on the title page:

• Paper title.
• Name of each author (also known as the byline).
• Affiliation for each author.
• Course number and name.
• Instructor name.
• Assignment due date.
• Page number 1 in the top right corner of the page header.

The format for the byline depends on whether the paper has one author, two authors, or three or more authors.

• When the paper has one author, write the name on its own line (e.g., Jasmine C. Hernandez).
• When the paper has two authors, write the names on the same line and separate them with the word “and” (e.g., Upton J. Wang and Natalia Dominguez).
• When the paper has three or more authors, separate the names with commas and include “and” before the final author’s name (e.g., Malia Mohamed, Jaylen T. Brown, and Nia L. Ball).

Students have an academic affiliation, which identities where they studied when the paper was written. Because students working together on a paper are usually in the same class, they will have one shared affiliation. The affiliation consists of the name of the department and the name of the college or university, separated by a comma (e.g., Department of Psychology, George Mason University). The department is that of the course to which the paper is being submitted, which may be different than the department of the student’s major. Do not include the location unless it is part of the institution’s name.

Write the course number and name and the instructor name as shown on institutional materials (e.g., the syllabus). The course number and name are often separated by a colon (e.g., PST-4510: History and Systems Psychology). Write the assignment due date in the month, date, and year format used in your country (e.g., Sept. 10, 2020).

Title page line spacing

Double-space the whole title page. Place the paper title three or four lines down from the top of the page. Add an extra double-spaced blank like between the paper title and the byline. Then, list the other title page elements on separate lines, without extra lines in between.

Title page alignment

Center all title page elements (except the right-aligned page number in the header).

Title page font

Write the title page using the same font and font size as the rest of your paper. Bold the paper title. Use standard font (i.e., no bold, no italics) for all other title page elements.

Text elements

Repeat the paper title at the top of the first page of text. Begin the paper with an introduction to provide background on the topic, cite related studies, and contextualize the paper. Use descriptive headings to identify other sections as needed (e.g., Method, Results, Discussion for quantitative research papers). Sections and headings vary depending on the paper type and its complexity. Text can include tables and figures, block quotations, headings, and footnotes.

Text line spacing

Double-space all text, including headings and section labels, paragraphs of text, and block quotations.

Text alignment

Center the paper title on the first line of the text. Indent the first line of all paragraphs 0.5-in.

Left-align the text. Leave the right margin ragged.

Block quotation alignment

Indent the whole block quotation 0.5-in. from the left margin. Double-space the block quotation, the same as other body text. Find more information on the quotations page.

Use the same font throughout the entire paper. Write body text in standard (nonbold, nonitalic) font. Bold only headings and section labels. Use italics sparingly, for instance, to highlight a key term on first use (for more information, see the italics page).

Headings format

For detailed guidance on formatting headings, including headings in the introduction of a paper, see the headings page and the headings in sample papers .

• Alignment: Center Level 1 headings. Left-align Level 2 and Level 3 headings. Indent Level 4 and Level 5 headings like a regular paragraph.
• Font: Boldface all headings. Also italicize Level 3 and Level 5 headings. Create heading styles using your word-processing program (built into AcademicWriter, available for Word via the sample papers on the APA Style website).

Tables and figures setup

Tables and figures are only included in student papers if needed for the assignment. Tables and figures share the same elements and layout. See the website for sample tables and sample figures .

Table elements

Tables include the following four elements: 

• Body (rows and columns)
• Note (optional if needed to explain elements in the table)

Figure elements

Figures include the following four elements: 

• Image (chart, graph, etc.)
• Note (optional if needed to explain elements in the figure)

Table line spacing

Double-space the table number and title. Single-, 1.5-, or double-space the table body (adjust as needed for readability). Double-space the table note.

Figure line spacing

Double-space the figure number and title. The default settings for spacing in figure images is usually acceptable (but adjust the spacing as needed for readability). Double-space the figure note.

Table alignment

Left-align the table number and title. Center column headings. Left-align the table itself and left-align the leftmost (stub) column. Center data in the table body if it is short or left-align the data if it is long. Left-align the table note.

Figure alignment

Left-align the figure number and title. Left-align the whole figure image. The default alignment of the program in which you created your figure is usually acceptable for axis titles and data labels. Left-align the figure note.

Bold the table number. Italicize the table title. Use the same font and font size in the table body as the text of your paper. Italicize the word “Note” at the start of the table note. Write the note in the same font and font size as the text of your paper.

Figure font

Bold the figure number. Italicize the figure title. Use a sans serif font (e.g., Calibri, Arial) in the figure image in a size between 8 to 14 points. Italicize the word “Note” at the start of the figure note. Write the note in the same font and font size as the text of your paper.

Placement of tables and figures

There are two options for the placement of tables and figures in an APA Style paper. The first option is to place all tables and figures on separate pages after the reference list. The second option is to embed each table and figure within the text after its first callout. This guide describes options for the placement of tables and figures embedded in the text. If your instructor requires tables and figures to be placed at the end of the paper, see the table and figure guidelines and the sample professional paper .

Call out (mention) the table or figure in the text before embedding it (e.g., write “see Figure 1” or “Table 1 presents”). You can place the table or figure after the callout either at the bottom of the page, at the top of the next page, or by itself on the next page. Avoid placing tables and figures in the middle of the page.

Embedding at the bottom of the page

Include a callout to the table or figure in the text before that table or figure. Add a blank double-spaced line between the text and the table or figure at the bottom of the page.

Embedding at the top of the page

Include a callout to the table in the text on the previous page before that table or figure. The table or figure then appears at the top of the next page. Add a blank double-spaced line between the end of the table or figure and the text that follows.

Embedding on its own page

Embed long tables or large figures on their own page if needed. The text continues on the next page.

Reference list setup

Reference list elements.

The reference list consists of the “References” section label and the alphabetical list of references. View reference examples on the APA Style website. Consult Chapter 10 in both the Concise Guide and Publication Manual for even more examples.

Reference list line spacing

Start the reference list at the top of a new page after the text. Double-space the entire reference list (both within and between entries).

Reference list alignment

Center the “References” label. Apply a hanging indent of 0.5-in. to all reference list entries. Create the hanging indent using your word-processing program; do not manually hit the enter and tab keys.

Reference list font

Bold the “References” label at the top of the first page of references. Use italics within reference list entries on either the title (e.g., webpages, books, reports) or on the source (e.g., journal articles, edited book chapters).

Final checks

Check page order.

• Start each section on a new page.
• Arrange pages in the following order:
• Title page (page 1).
• Text (starts on page 2).
• Reference list (starts on a new page after the text).

Check headings

• Check that headings accurately reflect the content in each section.
• Start each main section with a Level 1 heading.
• Use Level 2 headings for subsections of the introduction.
• Use the same level of heading for sections of equal importance.
• Avoid having only one subsection within a section (have two or more, or none).

Check assignment instructions

• Remember that instructors’ guidelines supersede APA Style.
• Students should check their assignment guidelines or rubric for specific content to include in their papers and to make sure they are meeting assignment requirements.

Tips for better writing

• Ask for feedback on your paper from a classmate, writing center tutor, or instructor.
• Budget time to implement suggestions.
• Use spell-check and grammar-check to identify potential errors, and then manually check those flagged.
• Proofread the paper by reading it slowly and carefully aloud to yourself.
• Consult your university writing center if you need extra help.

About the author

Undergraduate student resources

• Writing Tips

What Are Bylines? (And How to Write One)

• By  Lynn Godson
• Nov 03, 2023
• Freelance Tips

Share this article:

If you write blog posts, articles, or news stories, you’re likely to come across the term byline . For a freelance writer, a byline is a way to take full credit for your work, get your name out there, and add to your portfolio .

But what is a byline, exactly?

This blog post will explain exactly what a byline is, why you need one, and how to write one.

What Is a Byline?

A byline is a line that tells readers who has written a piece of content (such as a blog post or article). At the very least, it comprises the author’s name, but a great byline can contain much more than that. Some bylines are more like mini-bios and may include a summary of the author’s background, a photograph, and contact information.

What Are the Benefits of Bylines?

As a freelance writer, it can be difficult to get your work noticed, but a byline can really help.

Your byline not only tells readers that you wrote a particular piece of content; it also gives them an insight into your areas of expertise . It allows you to establish credibility in that area and, in turn, develop a readership who trust your opinions.

Your byline also actively associates you with the brands and publications you write for. If that brand or publication is trusted, you are more likely to be trusted – so it’s a great way to boost your reputation. You are more likely to reach an audience of people who are interested in your particular area of expertise (whether that’s readers or potential clients). All of this can increase demand for what you do and the services you offer. Just keep in mind that readers tend to attribute the values of a publication to its writers, so take care that you do actually want to be associated with their values!

Finally, bylines help you build your portfolio. When seeking new writing opportunities, you need to be able to share examples of your work with potential clients. Clients want reassurance that you have the right knowledge and experience to deliver on their brief . Examples of previous work are the best way to showcase your skills and provide that reassurance.

How to Write a Byline

Whether you’re new to freelance writing or have plenty of experience, it’s important to get your byline right. Here are our top tips:

• Keep your byline to two or three sentences.
• Use around 50 words.
• Include a high-quality image that shows your confident, warm, and authoritative self.
• Emphasis your expertise but don’t try to sell your services.
• Show your personality or add in a fun fact, if it seems appropriate for the publication.
• Link to an incentive from your service or product range, such as a free template, course, or recipe.
• Link to a landing page for your blog or your website.
• Tailor your byline to each publication. Relevance is key.

It’s important to keep your byline short and punchy. People come to your article primarily because they want to read your content and learn from your expertise. Getting to know a little about you as the author is a great add-on, but it’s not their priority. So, what you say in your byline needs to be impactful.

Use strong words, such as “effective,” “reputation,” “specialist,” and “mission.” If you’re writing for an informal publication, add in adjectives that show your lighter side. There are thousands of dull bylines out there already. Don’t add to their number!

Focus carefully on the type of publication you’re writing for. A byline for a financial journal will contain very different vocabulary than a byline for a blog on life hacks for busy parents or for a magazine on classic motorcycles.

Your choice of photo is another means of influencing your readers toward seeking out more of your writing. If their first impression of you is confident, they’re more likely to have confidence in what you say.

Your byline is a great opportunity to direct readers to more of your content, so add in your website’s homepage or blog landing page, with an incentive if that’s appropriate. Your byline can really help you to build a following for your freelance writing.

Three Byline Examples

Our first example, from US Today , just gives the writer’s name, as is common in newspapers, whether online or in print.

The next example, from The Guardian , gives the writer’s name and a photo. The author’s name is a clickable link, which directs the reader to a portfolio of the author’s previous work for the publication.

This example, from the online version of the UK’s Motorcycle News , gives information about the writer’s role and his relevant interests. Much like the example above, the author’s name is a clickable link that takes the reader to a more in-depth bio, examples of previous work, and contact details.

Becoming a Freelance Writer

A good byline is the writer’s equivalent of a business card. We hope that, after reading our blog post, you’re ready to write your own!

If freelance writing is your dream career, let our Becoming A Freelance Writer course inspire you to realize that dream! The course covers everything you need to know to go from amateur wordsmith to full-fledged professional. Why not give it a go for free?

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What Is an Article Byline?

The byline tells the reader who wrote the article

• Animation & Video

In design, a byline is a short phrase that indicates the name of the author of an article in a publication. Used in newspapers, magazines, blogs, and other publications, the byline tells the reader who wrote the piece.  

In addition to giving credit where credit is due, a byline adds a level of legitimacy to the article; if a piece has a byline from an experienced writer with a good reputation, it's a sign of credibility for the reader.

Bylines in Online Articles

When the byline appears on an article on a website, it's often accompanied by a hyperlink to the writer's website, email address, or social media handle, or even to another web page on that same site that's full of information on that writer.

This isn't necessarily a standard practice; if a writer is a freelancer or not on staff with the publication in question, there might be no obligation to link to their outside work.

Bylines in Newspapers and Other Publications

Bylines on paper usually appear after the headline or subhead of an article but before the dateline or body copy. It's almost always prefaced by the word "by" or some other wording that indicates that the piece of information is the name of the author.

Difference Between Bylines and Taglines

A byline should not be confused with a tagline, which usually appears at the bottom of an article.

When an author credit appears at the end of the article, sometimes as part of a mini-bio of the author, this is usually referred to as a tagline. Taglines generally serve as complements to bylines. Usually, the top of an article is not a place where a publication wants lots of visual clutter, so things like dates or the writer's area of expertise are saved for the tagline area at the end of the copy.

A tagline may be used if a second writer (other than the one in the byline) contributed to an article but was not responsible for the majority of the work. Taglines also may be used to provide additional information about the author such as his or her email address or phone number.

If the tagline is positioned at the bottom of the article, it's usually accompanied by a couple of sentences giving the writer's credentials or biography. Usually, the author's name is bold or in a large font, and differentiated from the body text by a box or other graphics.

The Appearance of a Byline

The byline is a simple element. It's distinct from the headline and body copy and should be set apart but does not require a prominent design element like a box or a large font.

Here are some byline examples:

• By John Q. Public
• Written by John Q. Public
• John Doe, Political Correspondent
• John Doe, as told to John Q. Public
• By John Doe, MD

After you decide on a style — font, size, weight, alignment, and format — for bylines in the publication you're working on, be consistent. Your bylines should look uniform and be unobtrusive unless there's a compelling reason to prominently highlight the writer's name. 

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How to write a byline

Dangerous Crooked Scoundrels

• By Edwin L. Battistella
• October 9 th 2020

A while back, I wrote a post on how to write a biography , with some tips for long-form writing about historical and public figures. However, that’s not the only kind of biographical writing you might be called upon to do. You might need to write about yourself.

Many people are comfortable writing a personal bio of about two hundred words, but it can be surprisingly tricky to write a short byline for use in a newspaper, magazine, web article, or announcement for a talk. Here are a few tips.

Keep it short: The challenge of a byline is not just what to say but what to leave out. We’ve all suffered though dreary introductions that go on way too long. A byline is not a résumé. More is not always better.

Be yourself, but without the boring parts and with some sass: When I teach writing for publication, I ask students to craft a handful of 12-15 word bylines on the first day. Here are some examples, where writers both exhibit personality and give readers something to ponder.

Aurora loves jogging, juggling, and haggling, not necessarily in that order. Joni plans a career in publishing once she is finished staring into the abyss. Brian is trying not to say “um” any more than is absolutely necessary. Cassidy is an incredibly sleep-deprived Pisces with a mild Twitter addiction. Readers can identify with these personal characteristics.

Build credibility indirectly: So-and-so “is the award-winning author of” is fine for some audiences, but often an interesting personal detail is a more engaging way to build your credibility. You can paint a picture:

Jasper Fforde recently traded a varied career in the film industry for vacantly staring out the window and arranging words on a page.

You can offer authority and authenticity, as these two mystery/thriller writers do:

John Straley, a criminal investigator for the state of Alaska, lives in Sitka, with his son and wife, a marine biologist who studies whales. April Henry knows how to kill you in a two-dozen different ways. She makes up for a peaceful childhood in an intact home by killing off fictional characters.

Consider the audience and occasion: You can—and you should—tailor your byline for particular audiences. What aspect of your background can you emphasize to make a connection to your audience? When I include that I’m from central New Jersey or that I own more dictionaries than anyone needs, I almost always get a reaction.

Use a byline to keep your focus: When you begin a piece of writing, consider writing a byline as your first step. The byline establishes a persona and defines your voice in the piece.

A student of mine, writing on the ways that millennials are revitalizing the plant industry, started with this byline, which gave her a voice to navigate the botany and economics of her topic.

Laura Becker is a tail-end millennial from California and currently resides in Oregon. She enjoys reading, spending time with her fur baby Ponyo, and watering her plants. When she isn’t doing one of those things, she can be found browsing Etsy or Amazon for her next plant.

When in doubt: If you are s tuck on a byline, make a list of your favorite things to do, places to go, or things to eat. Look through some old photos or memorabilia, or through your closet.

Browse your bookshelves to borrow from other writers. Here’s one from poet Zeke Hudson, that I really wish I had thought of:

Zeke Hudson is… he’s uh… well, he’s usually much better at writing bios. This one’s a real clunker. You can see some of his better bios in Wend Poetry, Nightblock, and Banango Street , or in his chapbook from Thrush Press . Sorry everyone.

What’s your twelve-word byline?

Featured image by Rishabh Sharma via Unsplash

As an undergraduate,  Edwin Battistella was the world's worst Russian major. Linguistics came along just in time. His books include  Bad Language: Are Some Words Better than Others? ,  Sorry About That: The Language of Public Apology ,  and   Dangerous Crooked Scoundrels: Insulting the President, from Washington to Trump .

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Quite interesting! Useful instructions.

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Definition of byline

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of byline  (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

Examples of byline in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'byline.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

1938, in the meaning defined above

Dictionary Entries Near byline

Cite this entry.

“Byline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/byline. Accessed 12 Jul. 2024.

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Kids definition of byline, more from merriam-webster on byline.

Nglish: Translation of byline for Spanish Speakers

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How to Write a Strong Byline

It’s hard for a writer to establish themselves and the brand they represent in a memorable way. A strong byline is key to freelancers standing out and cultivating their unique personal brand. Whether you’re creating content for your website, to submit to a publisher, or for a featured piece, knowing how to write a byline is an opportunity to build your brand and stand out in your field.

Our tips in the comprehensive guide below outline how to highlight your strengths, write a strong byline, and improve your writing skills .

What Is a Byline?

A byline is a text line that tells readers who the author of a piece is. At minimum, it will include the author’s name, but strong bylined articles typically have a short bio to let readers know the background and experience of the writer.

Bylines are a chance to familiarize readers with your work and field. Relevant and impressive bylines help present you as a credible authority on the subject of your article and help cement your brand as a writer. Think of your byline as your first impression that encapsulates your values and builds trust with your readers.

Why Are Bylines Important?

A byline tells readers who you are, what you value, and what makes you credible in your field. A strong byline can support readership, credibility, and your portfolio all at once. Especially in the freelance world, it’s important to establish yourself with a unique viewpoint that only you can offer.

In addition to readership, your byline can help associate you with the publications and brands you write for. If you work for a revered company that is highly regarded and trusted by customers, you are more likely to be trusted by readers by pure association and reputation.

What Should You Include in a Byline?

As a writer, your byline is your foot in the door with readers and their first impression of you. Here’s what to include to ensure your byline is the most effective it can be:

1. Who You Are and What You Do

It’s important to show your readers who you are. Personal information like where you’re from, where you live, and where you were educated are important inclusions to highlight your background while building credibility with readers. A byline may include a clear, professional photo of you (typically a headshot) that represents you as a writer.

Here’s an example: Dr. John Doe is a scientist specializing in microbiology. Doe studied at Harvard Medical School and runs a genetic disorder practice in Boston. He is the author of Genes Up Close .

You can even include a fun fact that shows off your personality if it fits the tone of the publication. Your byline will be edited for each publication — like a resume — so be prepared to make tweaks and adjustments for specific publications.

Looking at the example again, we can show off Doe’s personality a little more with the addition of: In his spare time, Doe is a tour guide at the Boston Museum of Science.

2. Previous Experience, Areas of Expertise, and Fields of Knowledge

Your byline should include your areas of expertise and fields of knowledge. If you’re publishing a scientific magazine or journal, include studies you’ve conducted in the field, certifications you have, or other background experience that qualifies you.

A byline from Science News for an article on climate change and Antarctic glaciers cites the author’s travel experience and funding to showcase experience and prestige: Douglas Fox is a freelance journalist based in northern California. He was funded by the National Science Foundation to travel to Antarctica from November 2019 to January 2020.

Fox builds trust with readers and subscribers as an authority through direct experience and first-hand study. Your byline should provide relevant information on why you’re trusted on your topic, as Fox does here. Previous experience writing in that field is always helpful.

As a writer or editor, your writing is your personal brand, so in order to build your business, you need readers to trust you. This will lead to higher retention in return readers. It helps you cultivate brand loyalty and grow your business.

3. Your Portfolio, Blog, or Website

A byline is an opportunity to connect your readers with more of your work. Including a link to your portfolio, blog, or website allows readers to find your work instantly and connect with your writing. This ultimately builds subscribers and helps you to create lasting bonds. If someone reads your piece and enjoys it, give them instant access to all of your writing in one place.

Your brand consists of your work and what you present to the world, so make sure your byline will boost and strengthen it. Include your niche as a writer and what makes you the right fit for each piece. A great byline is like a digital business card that connects your readers directly to you — so take the opportunity to build readership!

How to Write a Byline

Not sure where to begin or how to write a byline that will impress readers and search engines alike? Look no further. When you’re writing your byline, keep these tips in mind for the strongest and best results:

Keep It Short and Sweet

To get the most out of your byline, keep it short, sweet, and to the point. Limit it to 50 words or less and about two or three sentences. Don’t try to include everything here; your byline should show off your skills without overselling.

Include only the information that is most relevant and important to your piece. Ask yourself what the readers need to know for context and which information is pertinent to the story you’re telling. If your readers are curious and want to know more about you after reading, your byline will direct them to your portfolio or personal website.

Tailor to Each Publication

When you write your byline, think of it like a resume — you will need to tweak it for each specific article and publication. Relevance is key to your freelance success , so don’t include credentials on literature for a scientific article. Edit your byline to each specific publication your work is featured in.

Use a Great Photo

If available and appropriate for the domain, add a high-quality, professional photo that represents your brand. Your readers are more likely to remember your work when they can put your face to your name. Choose a high-quality, clear photograph that shows off your professionalism and your personal style. Don’t let an LQ or busy photo overshadow your writing.

What Is a Strong Byline?

Now that we’ve covered what a strong byline should incorporate, we’ll look at examples. These established writers are published in prominent newspapers, magazines, and newsletters.

Byline Examples

Here are a couple examples of excellent bylines from sources you already know and trust. Different writers and publications also have different styles, so don’t be afraid to personalize and make it your own.

Our first byline is from Saul J Takahashi, a contributor to Al Jazeera, covering conflict in the Middle East. While his website or portfolio isn’t linked, the author establishes their authority as a contributor to the publication. He lists his details, credentials, and location:

Professor of Human Rights and Peace Studies at Osaka Jogakuin University in Osaka, Japan

This next byline is from ContentWriters’ blog. Derek Johnson, Director of Content Strategy, covers the topic of “5 Organic Marketing Strategies for Lead Generation.” Why should we believe Derek’s tips? The byline with background and certification information highlights relevant experience and builds trust with the reader:

Derek is ContentWriters’ Director of Content Strategy. He has helped hundreds of companies improve their web traffic, conversion rate, and content creation efficiency. Derek is particularly knowledgeable in full-cycle sales, eCommerce, SaaS, and B2B marketing, having consulted in those areas for over 5 years. He is HubSpot Content Marketing certified.

Our last byline example is from Time m agazine, from a column on how to fix U.S. election issues. The author establishes her authority and includes links to her other work for the publication:

Thornton is the Senior Vice President of Democracy at the German Marshall Fund of the United States. She previously served overseas in leadership positions at the National Democratic Institute and International IDEA.

Through these varying styles and different examples, we’ve shown just a few potential inspirations for your byline. By highlighting your field, your goals, and your publication, your byline will be its strongest.

A byline is so much more than an author tag on an article. Bylines are an opportunity to build your brand, establish your credibility, and grow readership. Your byline tells readers who you are and what your background is, and it also helps establish your authority on a subject that readers can trust and rely on.

Bylined Articles for Businesses

At ContentWriters, we leverage our writers with expertise and experience valuable to our clients. We offer bylines of our US-based writers with subject matter expertise to be published on your domain alongside our high-quality content. If you need to build your team of writers with diverse experiences and perspectives, connect with our team to discover how we can help.

Kelly Carlin is a writer based in Philadelphia. She was born in Virginia and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from James Madison University. Kelly’s writing experience spans music journalism, SEO copy, and DIY self-published zines, as well as nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and prose.

Kelly enjoys live music, reading or watching films with her cats, and cheering on the local Philly sports teams. When she’s not writing, you can find her at local DIY music shows, watching Jeopardy, and going to the movies. Kelly is a founding member of After Hours, a writer’s social club and collective in Philadelphia.

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What is a Byline And Where Do You Put It in Your Article?

When it comes to being a freelance writer, you’ve probably come across many freelance writing terms being thrown around to describe different aspects of the job.

One common term that you should definitely know about is a byline.

But what is a byline?

When you’re getting paid to write articles for clients that feature your name as the author, or you are guest posting on other sites, a well-written byline is key to adding legitimacy to the article to show you are an expert!

And it can also be used to incentivize readers and clients to check out your site.

This little piece of copy is important for your business so that you can make a living as a writer online so it’s important to know what is a byline for an article.

If you don’t have a byline already, or you are looking to spruce up the one you have, let’s get into what bylines are and how you can write one that rocks!

What is a Byline in Writing?

Simply put, a byline is the name under the title of an article that indicates who wrote it.

This is also called an author bio .

You can use bylines that include a selection of articles to show who you have written for and build your portfolio.

What is a byline example?

Here is mine for Zapier.

Many freelance writing jobs , including big publications, will want to see a strong byline that matches their target audience and style of content.

Clients feel more confident commissioning a pitch from you if they know you have published similar content elsewhere.

Having a good byline builds trust with potential clients!

Bylines are also helpful when it comes to building a professional portfolio and showing the world that you are an expert in your niche.

And if you’re trying to drum up some traffic to your own site, bylines are a great way to catch the reader’s attention and encourage them to read more of your content.

While bylines are short and sweet, you need to put some thought into them to make them effective.

How to Write an Author Bio for Your Byline

Overall, bylines should only be 2-3 sentences or 40-60 words. This does depend on the publication or client you have.

This may not seem like a lot, but it’s enough room to include all of the key components of an amazing byline.

Let’s take a look at how you can write an author bio for your byline that will snag writing clients and pique the reader’s interest.

1. Say You Who Are and What You Do

When people are interested in your content, and what to learn more, they really want to know who you are, what you do , and why they should care.

You can use your byline to answer all three questions!

Try to make this section of your byline engaging and not just a matter-of-fact spewing of details.

Think of powerful words to describe what you do. Do you rock content marketing? Do you offer sanity-saving services for busy clients? Do you provide proven SEO optimization?

Doing this exercise can also help you figure out what type of writer you are .

2. Establish Authority

In order to boost your trust with clients, you have to establish authority as a writer in your writing niche.

You can use your byline to establish authority by highlighting information such as your experience, any awards you’ve received, or any major publications you have written for.

For example, in my GoDaddy byline I mention how I help my ideal client SaaS businesses in gaining traffic for leads.

Make sure you stick to accomplishments relevant to the content’s audience.

For example, if you are a financial writer , your audience isn’t going to care if you are a black-belt karate master.

3. Always Link to Your Portfolio

When you’re looking to attract readers and potential clients, it’s important to include a link back to your website or portfolio page.

In fact, you can even directly link to your site’s Hire Me page!

If you don’t have a writer’s website yet, don’t worry – I have you covered! Click here to check out Writer Website in a Weekend .

4. Link to Something Free (If it Makes Sense)

If you’re going to put links in your author byline, you have to give readers a reason to click on them!

Giving an incentive is more of a way to attract readers to your content, but curious clients may want to check out what you have to offer as well!

But just be careful. Some client will not want incentives in their bios so always look at other writers and see if they link to an inventive.

For Smartblogger I know that his authors link to incentives so I did the same in my byline.

Think about what you can offer the audience based on the niche you write for. You can offer a free guide related to something you mention in the article.

Just make sure you stick to one incentive in your byline. You don’t want to overwhelm your readers.

5. Tailor Byline to the Publication

When I say to make your byline unique, I mean to make it unique to the site you are writing for.

This means you can write a separate author bio for each site you write for!

Even though my writing niche is SaaS, as you saw with my SaaS clients – Zapier, GoDaddy and Smartblogger – each byline was tailored to the brand.

For instance, when I started as a freelance writer, I used one byline for all of my posts – then I started noticing popular freelance writers’ author bios on different sites and noticed that they weren’t all the same.

That’s when I started tailoring my byline to highlight my expertise depending on the site I was writing for.

So go ahead and change up your byline but try to stick to the same title or tagline .

6. Use Storytelling to be Personal

Even though you have such a short space to nail who you are and how awesome you are, it’s still important to add some personality to your byline either through storytelling or adding an interesting fact about yourself.

You can do this by mentioning what you do in your free time or giving a little tidbit about who you are.

It’s all about finding a nice balance between showing potential clients what you can do and showing them that you are a human being.

I often mention my twins or my Youtube channels or multiple sites as a way to differentiate myself from other writers.

You can also add some personality to your byline by including a picture that shows you are a professional but that you are also unique.

A Simple Byline Formula

If you’re staring at your computer screen, unsure of what to write for your byline, here’s a simple formula that will help spark your creativity:

[First Name Last Name] is [Title]. [Explanation of Expertise]. [Incentive/Link]. [Personality Sentence].

So, for example:

Elna Cain is a freelance writer specializing in digital marketing, branding, and general marketing tips. When she isn’t writing, she’s chasing around her kids, cat, and husband (and not necessarily in that order). You can find more information and view her profile on Innovative Ink.

From there, I can add in some more accomplishments and an incentive – but it’s the perfect place to start!

Byline Examples to Get You Started

You have the basic formula, but now you need some ideas!

Here are some real-life examples of bylines to get you started:

Rover is a blog for dog people, encouraging their writers to have fun with their bylines!

Here’s what a byline for creative writing elements from one of their authors, Elisabeth Geier looks like:

Elisabeth Geier is a writer, teacher, and animal advocate with extensive animal handling experience and a soft spot for bully breeds and big orange tabbies.

It’s short and sweet but hits on everything the author has expertise in – plus a cute little mention at the end about big orange tabbies!

GetResponse

Check out this byline from the site GetResponse (an email-sending tool):

Marya Jan is a Facebook Ad Strategist. She works with coaches, consultants and service-based entrepreneurs to build their email lists, fill up their webinars with Facebook ads and generate big profits in their businesses. Read more about Marya

Not only does the photo scream personality, but the information nicely highlights the author’s achievements, experience, and connects her writing to the brand she’s writing for: email.

ClearVoice is a platform for clients to connect with freelance writers.

Their writer Jorden provides this interesting byline :

Jorden Roper is a fuschia-haired freelance writer and found of the Writing Revolt blog, where she writes no-BS advice for freelance writers and bloggers. When she’s not working, you can find her traveling, playing music in her band, or hanging out with her Chihuahuas.

In this byline, not only do you get a very clear picture of what she does but also of who she is as a person.

Be a Better Blogger

I really love Beth Hayden’s byline on Be a Better Blogger :

Beth is a copywriter and content writer who specializes in ghostblogging, email marketing campaigns, and sales pages. Download Beth?s free report, The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Warm Welcome Message to get the step-by-step process she uses to create magical welcome messages for her clients.

The picture is warm and friendly and doesn’t look like a staunch professional photo.

She clearly states what she does and what she specializes in. She also included a link to a guide she offers as an incentive – which is perfectly related to her specializations.

Copyhackers

Lianna Patch is an author on the site Copyhackers, which focuses on copywriting. Here is her byline:

Lianna’s greatest dream is to make your customers pause, smile, and click (in that order). She does this through irresistible emails and shockingly effective landing pages. Conquer campaigns with her at Punchline Copy or get quick copy jobs done at SNAP Copy.

How many power words did you see in there???

Dream. Irresistible. Shockingly. Conquer. Quick.

This author nails it when it comes to writing a byline that grabs your attention and elicits an emotional response.

Globe & Mail

What is a byline in a newspaper?

For these types of bylines they are mostly comprised of a headshot, email address and a link to their main social media profile. For Globe & Mail bylines also mention the type of writer they are and location.

Here is an example:

Men’s Health

And what about what is a byline in a magazine look like?

These types of bylines are similar to website bylines like I would have for Wordtune or Blogging Wizard. They state the type of writing they do and where they have bylines.

Here’s one from Erica Sweeny.

Erica Sweeney is a writer who mostly covers health, wellness and careers. She has written for The New York Times, HuffPost, Teen Vogue, Parade, Money, Business Insider and many more.

So, Where Does a Byline Go?

To understand where an author byline goes, it’s important to understand how bylines are added to online content.

In many cases, the client or site you are posting for will give you WordPress login credentials so that you can post the content for review directly from the site.

You would then go under “Users” in the WordPress dashboard and include your byline in your profile.

Writers often do this when they guest post on FreelancerFAQs.com and add their own byline in the backend of WordPress.

Then, it will appear wherever the site owner has decided it will appear in the layout – usually at the end of the content, but sometimes right under the article title.

The other option is to include your byline in your written content when you send it to the client.

You can always ask the client where they prefer the byline to appear (before or after the content) before sending off your finished piece.

Otherwise, it’s most common to include the byline at the end of an article, so you can always paste it there.

I don’t always ask and just put the my byline at the end of the piece if this is the FIRST piece I give to a brand new client.

For example, when Zapier hired me this is what I did for my first article in Google Docs.

This is more beneficial in a way since your readers are more likely to want to know more about you after reading your content.

What is a Byline? Now You Know!

Yes, bylines seem to take a lot of work for something so short, but don’t worry if you don’t nail your byline on your first try.

I went through many bylines before I found the ones that worked for me!

Overall, it’s better to have any byline than none, so make sure you start including one with all of your written content.

And don’t forget to check out these other posts for more help:

• 50 Taglines for Freelance Writers + How to Create One Yourself
• The Best Professional Title to Use as a Freelance Writer
• How to Write a Bio That Will Snag Writing Clients

Do you have a byline you want to share?

Share this post with your friends!

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How To Write An Author Bio: 7 High-Converting Byline Examples Turning Readers Into Leads

Discover the 7 components of an optimized bio with 7 high-converting author byline examples to show you exactly what to aim for.

Creating quality content is challenging.

You have to find a unique angle on an often well-covered topic. You have to research data to back it up. You have to create a compelling headline . You have to create curiosity in the opening, polish your grammar, get the tone right, yada yada … all this while fitting the piece into your brand’s or client’s overall content marketing strategy.

With all that work, it’s important that you are getting maximum value out of your content, whether it’s published on your website or a 3rd party publication.

One incredibly easy yet often overlooked way to increase the value of your content is to optimize your author bio.

There is actually quite a bit of value you can derive from your bio, and yet most marketers and writers simply throw something together and never think about it again. Such a waste!

Today, I’m going to highlight the 7 components of an optimized bio, with 7 high-converting bio and byline examples to show you exactly what to aim for.

Before we begin, let’s cover the basics.

How To Write An Author Bio and Byline Examples

A byline is a short paragraph that tells readers a little bit about the author and how to contact the author or read additional content by the author.

In most online content, the author bio can be seen at the end of the article.

Author bio of Aaron Orendorff from Fast Company.

As a general rule, you want to keep your bio to 2-3 sentences or 40-60 words. This gives you enough room to include the 7 components we’ll talk about today without creating a wall of text that scares off readers.

An author bio is sometimes confused with an author byline which is technically not the same thing.

An author byline is a line at the top of an article that names the author, usually lists the date, and occasionally includes additional information

Author byline example on Fast Company article by Aaron Orendorff.

Author bios and bylines have become much less distinct in the internet age, and on many websites, the two will be merged in some form or other. But in most cases, you will have the ability to create a distinct 2-3 sentence bio for yourself that shows up at the end of any article you write.

So let’s talk optimization. The following 7 components will help turn your author bios into legitimate lead generators for your business.

STEP #1: Say who you are and what you do

People who consume your content have got three big questions:

• Who  are you?
• What  do you do?
• Why  should I care?

Your bio should answer all three.

Nail them and they’ll be keen to find out more about you — and gladly follow you into the kingdom of your products and services. Most bios don’t address these essential queries. Some do but in a dry matter-of-fact-Wikipedia way. Think of your bio as an elevator pitch in two or three sentences.

Henneke Duistermaat gets hers right.

Henneke Duistermaat from Copyblogger. Source

She sums up who she is, what she does and who she does it for using an engaging style. Crucially, she tells readers the benefits of doing business with her. Because there’s something in it for them, her readers would want to check her out.

STEP #2: Establish your authority in the space

Authority is the tipping point of winning a hesitant prospect over or boosting your trust with clients.

Becoming a trusted voice in your space draws more prospects and causes your clients to stay with you longer. That’s why influencer marketing is the rage right now. Use your byline to underline your authority. Prove you’re worthy of a prospect’s business.

Here’s a great example from Ann Handley.

Author bio Ann Handley, Get Response blog.

Pixel after pixel, Ann proves her authority… Wall Street best seller, CCO, Entrepreneur columnist, keynote speaker. You may not have her star credentials but there’s always something to share.

Your vast experience maybe? An industry award? Or a mention by a notable publication?

Whatever it is, slip it in. Impress clients before you say a word. However, don’t shamelessly brag about everything you’ve ever done as Sammy Blindell points out in this post :

“Brand, don’t brag. It’s easy to compose a list of all your accomplishments — and it’s also a mistake. Use only those achievements that your ideal customers will see as beneficial to them, because this is about THEM. If you recently completed some extensive training in recognizing dog aggression, your financial planning audience isn’t going to care. In fact, they’ll probably turn away from your brand. However, if you were a keynote speaker and advisor for the annual International Financial Advisory Convention, that matters.”

Amen to that Sammy.

STEP #3: Include an image with some personality

I’m amazed how many content marketers miss the importance of a photo on social media profiles. It’s SOCIAL media for goodness sake — how can you socialize behind a silhouette? That’s like showing up at a party in a hood.

LinkedIn statistics  show having a profile photo can get you:

• 21x more profile views
• 9x more connection requests
• 36x more messages

The same applies to your content marketing, and yet many marketers use a photo that either looks like a mugshot or a shot where the cameraman said, “Say ‘professionalism'”. Ugh!

Want to boost your brand’s perceived competence, likeability and influence? Use a professional shot with some personality!

A great example comes from John Nemo.

John Nemo’s bio. Author of LinkedIn riches. Source

John’s shot exudes confidence, warmth and authority. Prospects are more likely to connect with him. And, oh, please smile. It makes you more likeable. To improve the quality of your photo use editing tools like Pixlr  and Fotor .

And then put your best face forward so people fall in love with you and your brand.

STEP #4: Inject your personality into the bio copy as well

When you really think about it, you and your competitors sell similar products.

The differentiator? Your unique personality . Personality, an aspect of authenticity, leads to higher ROI and appeal. Sadly, when people write business copy, they insist on sounding business like — whatever that means.

As a result, ho-hum bios abound.

People do business with people. So you better sound like a human. You’ll bond better with your audience and win more business. Jorden Roper reveals a glimpse of her personality very well.

Author bio of Jorden Roper from Clearvoice.

Jorden isn’t just a freelancer. She’s a fuschia-haired one that frolics with Chihuahuas. I have an inkling that, like her Chihuahuas, she’s:

Bold. Lively. Devoted.

In one fell swoop she humanizes and brands herself by talking about her pets. Let your hair down. Flee from high sounding nothing aka  corporate speak squeak.

Be yourself. Be human. Be relatable.

Then more people will desire to learn more about you and your products.

STEP #5: Include a lead magnet in your byline

Your conversion goal for your piece should extend to your byline. For better conversions, your offer should be related to the subject of your piece or at least relevant to the topic.

Discussed pitching? Offer readers a pitch template.

Enumerated on the benefits of content creation and management software? Offer readers a demo.

Talked about the health benefits of sex? Offer them hands-on private coaching sessions at the nearest hotel. Nah, bad idea. But I’m sure you get the hang of it.

Your bio is a great opportunity to attract direct leads from your reader base.

Here’s a great example from Beth Heyden.

Byline example Beth Hayden from Be a Better Blogger blog.

What the byline doesn’t show is how the offer is an extension of her piece. Here’s a snippet of one of her main points.

Excerpt from Be a Better Blogger post by Beth Hayden. Source

Her offer? A free report entitled ‘The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Warm Welcome Message.’ You’d almost feel dumb not to sign up for it since the report completes the piece. This way, her conversions are likely to soar.

Note the singularity of her offer. Countless content strategists overload their bylines with links which overwhelms readers and tanks conversions. Plus, by making one uncontested offer, eyeballs are instantly drawn to it.

STEP #6: Follow up your bio link with a landing page

Capitalize on the heavy lifting done by your content by linking to a landing page not your homepage.

People who read all the way down your content are potential red-hot prospects or brand loyalists in the making.

Don’t let their enthusiasm go poof — into cyberspace oblivion, without harnessing it. Reward them with something special, on a special page tailor-made for them.

Give them something cool and useful like:

• A super-relevant lead magnet
• A discount on your latest product
• A free beta version of your product
• A slot to win a prize in your competition

See how Jacob McMillen does it below. This byline example on a guest post:

Jacob McMillan author bio on the CrazyEgg blog.

Takes you straight to this landing page:

Landing page from Jacob McMillan author byline. Source

Notice how his CTA, the last words on his bio, are the first words on the landing page? This way the byline is perfectly coupled to the landing page thus increasing conversions. When a reader clicks his bio and lands on the landing page, she smoothly continues her conversion journey.

Harmony wins the day.

Step #7: Be very specific in everything you say

Your bio offers you a chance to position your brand favorably.

Be clear about what exactly  you do. You’ll generate more interest, attract higher quality leads and close more sales.

Next time I see a byline that reads ‘Andy Awesome is a marketer who resides at…’ I’ll organize an online march against dud bios. Dude, you ain’t saying nothing. They’re 271 bajillion marketers out there. Add a descriptive to specify what you do.

Only then will you stand a fighting chance of being heard above the me-too roar.

Lianna Patch stars in this regard.

Lilanna Patch author bio and byline example from Copyhackers. Source

Need help with email and landing pages? Then Lianna’s your girl. Her copy makes that crystal clear.

Brand yourself precisely. You’ll see an uptick in the number of prospects who approach you.

Finally, use your bio to boost your rankings for your target pages as Jacob McMillen explains:

“Bylines are a great place to link to a primary service page you are hoping to rank in search. It can be really challenging to rank service pages over blog posts, but including a back link to my main service page in every byline is one of the biggest reasons it’s ranking front page for 40+ key phrases.”

Conclusion: Get Every Ounce of Juice From Your Author Byline

Here’s the heart of the matter:

Your bio is an intricate part of your marketing and branding.

It’s a tiny hinge that swings huge marketing doors — a gateway to your world. So value it and craft it with care. Stretch all your investment in PPC and FB ads, SEO, outsourced content, site design and more to its fullest potential.

Make every click count.

• Recent Posts
• How To Write An Author Bio: 7 High-Converting Byline Examples Turning Readers Into Leads - September 26, 2017

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“It’s a tiny hinge that swings huge marketing doors — a gateway to your world.” Thanks for this amazing eye (and door) opener Qhubekani! It’s unfortunate how we misuse this valuable piece of real estate. Small wonder some doors creak to open for us if at all. My homework is cut out for me, off I go to oil my hinges. A thousand thanks.

Hi Kato, I’m glad you found the post useful. Thanks for reading. And, yes, it’s true we misuse our bylines. On the other extreme end we don’t benefit from them because we disuse them…so they just sit there unoptimized and we lose out picking quality leads in the process. Have a great day!

Did you mean “we misuse our bios”? I am confused about the use of bio and byline, and there are few conflicts on this article as well — maybe you can enlighten me? 1. Bylines are a great place to link to a primary service page you are hoping to rank in search. (or is it Bio?) 2. Next time I see a byline that reads Andy Awesome is … (did you mean bio?) 3. What the byline doesn’t show is how the offer is an extension of her piece. (the previous paragraph mentioned bio) There are few others that I didn’t put here. I don’t want to be a prick, but I am reading your article more than once to make sure I get the point right. You did put a fairly straightforward warning about confusing bio and byline.

Hi Andre, Thanks for the catch Andre. Yes, I meant bios. Although I did say that in the internet age the two have become less distinct, it’d be good for consistency and clarity sake to make the correction. Will alert the editor. I appreciate you for taking time to go through the piece with a fine comb. Happy bio writing!

Can you expand on the part of bylines, ““Bylines are a great place to link to a primary service page you are hoping to rank in search….” I found this part very interesting. Should we change that as name + main keyword ?

Hey Carlos, service pages are very hard to secure backlinks for. While you can easily link back to your blog posts in guest posts, no self-respecting publication is going to allow in-article backlinks to service or sales pages. Author bios, on the other hand, are pretty much yours to do with as you please, so they are the perfect place to link to a service page you are wanting to rank. I’ve been able to rank my own primary service page for 30+ terms simply by including backlinks with my target search terms as anchor text in my author bios.

Thanks for clearing that up. I was thinking he was talking about the by line, on the author’s post on his site, but he was referring to the byline on the Author bio… Thanks for the clarification Jacob!

Sure thing!

Wonderful article. Using lead magnet as part of bio is smart technique to generate leads. Loved it. The best part is author implementing the tips in the article in his bio at the end.

Hi Mohammad, Thanks for your kind words. I’m happy you gleaned something from the post. So, you read all the way down to my author bio, huh 😉. I guess I had to demonstrate what I was talking about! Enjoy the rest of your day!

Thanks for a great article Qhubekani! Clear, concise and not without some humor which is all too often absent from material like this. It’s a timely reminder to be aware of and take advantage of even what seems like small opportunities to put your brand out there. As well as some great tips on how to do that. I will certainly be putting your suggestions to good use.

Hi Bobby, I appreciate your compliments and I’m happy you picked one or two tips. Do put them to good use and then come back here and brag when you get awesome results. Enjoy the rest of your day.

This is why I’m selective over my reading time, so I don’t miss great articles like this. Great tactics, simple but effective. Nice work Qhubekani!

Hey Ed, Thanks for stopping by and taking time to inspire me with your sweet words.

Wow! Wow!! Very Impressive.. Sometimes i find it hard to come up with an appropriate bio both on my portfolio and tech blog here http://www.netsocialblog.com But with the samples given here, i finally found a clue. Thanks for the share

Hey Tunde, So glad you found the post useful. Happy bio writing :)

Hi Qhubekani, Thanks for your article. Some great insights, particularly about service page backlinks in a byline – great opportunity. The examples were helpful, too. Much appreciated. Updating my byline now! All the best. Cheers, – Dane

Hi Dane, Happy you gleaned some tips. Thanks for stopping by. BTW if you want to bounce off some bio ideas you can reach me at: qhubekani [the usual stuff] wholesomecommerce.com Enjoy the rest of your day!

I love every bit of the advice and suggestions in this piece. I must confess that I’ve struggled to try to communicate who I’m and what I do in the most convincing way. So, I keep changing things like a chameleon without sounding convincing even to myself. But with this, I think I’ll just go straight ahead to do a revamp of everything about my bio and byline with it injecting every bit of required dynamics. Thanks a bunch!

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[ bahy -lahyn ]

• a printed line of text accompanying a news story, article, or the like, giving the author's name.

verb (used with object)

Was the newspaper report bylined or was it anonymous?

Other Words From

• un·bylined adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of byline 1

Example Sentences

If an assistant or staff member had, they would need to include them or be the byline.

So, goes the theory, Fenn opted to end the hunt by hiring Stuef, a former journalist with bylines in Buzzfeed, New York Magazine, and The Onion, and tipping him off to the treasure’s location.

The online equivalent of that would be to publish content without listing an author and including a byline with their credentials.

Each of Forth’s contributors will be vetted by editors before they’re allowed to start posting — past bylines will play a role, cofounder Xana O’Neill said — and they are all required to adhere to editorial policies.

Prior to the Summer Writers’ Challenge, Community contributors were awarded with “internet points” and “virtual trophies” for popular posts, which appear as a badge near the contributor’s byline on the page.

Tracie Egan Morissey, who gets the byline for “Disney Dudes' Dicks,” slammed the “makeover.”

He was egotistical even as a child, it is noted, infatuated with the sight of his name on a rubber stamp and later as a byline.

Politico posted a condensed version of the brief, and I shared the byline with Ilya.

An earlier version of this piece listed an incorrect byline.

Her byline later appeared on a blog post about how people could apply in the new exchanges.

Our newspaper ran an article by me or I got a byline on it stating this in general which I have stated today.

If she proved herself competent, she would take over the column entirely and get the byline.

You see, there was no byline on the story and they said, "Who wrote the story?"

A byline meant that a caption directly under the headline would proclaim: “By Elda Hunt.”

But as he gave the story to a copy reader who would write the headline, he said: “Give her a byline.”

A Young Family’s Heartbreaking Escape From Gaza – in Their own Words

From giving birth at a refugee camp as bombs rained down, to the daily struggle of finding food and water; taking refuge in Rafah to paying smugglers to help them escape to Egypt. A harrowing story of survival

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Mohamed Isbitah had only been at the Nuseirat refugee camp in the Gaza Strip a few days when his pregnant wife, Hadeel, suddenly went into labour.

Days after Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October 2023 and it responded with a counter- offensive in Gaza, the 37-year-old manager of a media production office in the city, sought refuge along with his partner and their four children, aged three to nine, as they tried to escape the violence that has continued unabated ever since.

Since arriving at the camp, Isbitah has stayed in touch with me as he and his family made their way to the safety of Egypt. I worked with him a few years ago when I was doing research in the Gaza Strip. This is his story, told through Facebook messenger text and voice messages, sent during the last eight months.

Losing Everything I’d Ever Worked for

We had to leave our apartment in Gaza City in October, shortly after the war began. The Israeli army sent a warning that it would bomb our house. My house was not hit in the air strikes that followed. But my father’s apartment was destroyed and the apartments of my two brothers badly damaged. Imagine this: I worked double shifts for years to get enough money to buy our apartment and build a nice home for my family. I presume there’s only rubble left now.”

Initially we stayed in a friend’s house in the Nuseirat refugee camp, some 14kms south of Gaza City, but there too we were bombed all the time. We had only been there for a few days when my pregnant wife suddenly went into labour.

It was the middle of the night, and she was screaming and begging me to take her to the hospital quickly. I tried to get her into the car, but at the time bombs were raining down everywhere, it was too dangerous Mohamed Isbitah on his wife going into labour

We left the car and I tried to call an ambulance. That didn’t work either, I had no phone connection. My wife had to give birth on her own. Fortunately, she and the baby got through this well. Our little girl is a fighter.”

We Couldn’t Return To Gaza City – We’d be Shot by Snipers

Our daily life became more difficult each day. I kept going out to find clean water, drinking water and food for my family. But there was hardly anything left at the market and our supplies were running low. We couldn’t go back to Gaza City; the Israeli army had sealed off everything and forbidden us civilians to return. Anyone who tried was shot by Israeli snipers.

Because the Israeli ground troops were advancing from the north further south and in our direction, we fled to Zawayda in December, a town a little further south of the Nuseirat camp. From all directions you could hear the sound of bombs exploding.

Once my five-year-old daughter asked me if I knew what day it was. I told her it was probably Wednesday. She said: ‘Yes, and it’s my birthday, are you planning a party for me?’ I didn’t know what to say. I couldn’t find any candy, chocolate or anything else for her Mohamed Isbitah on his daughter’s birthday

We were in Zawayda for about a month when the Israeli army dropped leaflets and asked us civilians to move to Rafah. We relocated at the end of January. We stayed in a camp for internally displaced people, where some relatives were already staying. Like them, we lived in a makeshift tent.

Arriving in Rafah – Then Realising we had to Flee our Homeland

The situation in Rafah is catastrophic. Hardly any aid is arriving, people are hungry and completely exhausted. There are no functioning schools, hospitals, or markets. The doctors and helpers are overwhelmed with the many wounded.

We felt trapped in Rafah. Every day we looked for drinking water. It was icy cold at first, then very hot. Food was hard to come by and completely overpriced. My children fell into a kind of shock. They couldn’t get used to having to use a hole in the ground as a toilet. They suffered from not being able to eat fruit, meat, eggs, or sweets. They were tense and nervous the whole time. We could hardly sleep at night because of the noise, the constant thumping of the air raids, the constant buzzing of the drones over our heads.

One morning my 8-year-old daughter woke up crying and said: ‘Daddy, I think there is no place for me in this world, maybe I will be in heaven soon’  Mohamed Isbitah’s daughter’s heartbreaking message

When the Israeli army stormed Al-Shifa Hospital for the second time in March, I knew we had to leave Gaza. From then on, it was only a matter of time before Israeli soldiers would capture Rafah too. In previous wars, it had never occurred to me to leave my homeland. But this war is different, it mainly affects children.

Children are killed in Gaza every day. I couldn’t sit around and wait for my children to be killed too. That’s why I decided to get myself and my family to safety Mohamed Isbitah’s on his decision to leave his homeland

Smuggling my Family Out of Gaza to a Shadowy Existence in Egypt

My brother was already in Cairo at the time. I transferred him money so that he could pay smugglers to get us out of Gaza. I had to pay the Egyptians a total of 31,000 USD (£24,000), my last savings. The smugglers work for an agency in Cairo that specialises in getting families out of the Gaza Strip.

The smuggling was unspectacular: as soon as the agency employees had the money, they put our names on a list that was available to the border officials at the Rafah border crossing. This allowed us to cross into Egypt unhindered.

In Cairo we are trying to return to a normal life. It’s not easy. We live near the airport and every time a plane approaches my children think that an Israeli fighter jet is attacking us.

My brother has rented an apartment for us, but it’s not easy to pay for it. In Cairo there are many war refugees from Sudan and many Palestinians who, like us, have fled the Gaza Strip. They all need accommodation, and this drives up rents. Many Egyptians are very helpful, but some take advantage of the refugees’ plight and demand far too much money for food or accommodation.

We lead a shadowy existence. We cannot get a residence permit in Egypt, no official papers with which we can register with the authorities. My children can’t go to school because of this and that’s a big problem. I have to find a solution before the start of the next school year. It’s important that my children can go to school again; they have already missed too much.

It’s uncertain what will happen. The Israeli government is carrying out this massive military operation to show that it can take tough action. They’re not concerned about bringing the Israeli hostages home safe and sound or protecting the lives of Palestinian civilians.

They seem to believe that by killing Palestinian civilians they will bring Hamas to its knees. But it’s obvious that Hamas cannot be defeated in this way Mohamed Isbitah on the Israeli Defence Force

I believe the Israeli government has also another aim in mind with the war. They know that they can’t simply drive people out of Gaza; not even the US would allow that. That’s why they are making living conditions so bad that people are leaving the Gaza Strip of their own accord. The Israeli army has turned Gaza into an uninhabitable wasteland; everything is destroyed. Anyone with children will sooner or later try to flee to another country.

We are ordinary people, and we are paying the price in this conflict. It’s been like this for years. Every time we thought that the situation in Gaza was a little more stable and calmer, a new war broke out. Our dream of a normal life was destroyed again and again. And yet: I try to believe that this terrible war will soon end. And that one day we will be able to return to our homeland.”

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THE UNIQUE NATURE OF ICT

BYLINE: Keith Brawner, PhD, Program Manager, ICT; Senior Scientist/Engineer, US Army DEVCOM Soldier Center 

Dr. Keith Brawner is the Program Manager of the Institute for Creative Technologies University Affiliated Research Center (ICT UARC) for the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering , as managed by the US Army DEVCOM Soldier Center , where he is also the lead for AI initiatives. 

In 2011, I was working for the Army Research Laboratory and received a presentation from ICT on the new realistic graphics being developed within military training technologies. That was when the UARC (in affiliation with USC) first captured my imagination. It was (as now!) at the bleeding edge of technology, and had recently won its first Academy Award. It struck me as a one-of-a-kind place within the DoD. 

As a UARC for the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E)), ICT must have unique Core Competencies which separate it from other UARCs, and it does. But it also maintains distinctiveness in all aspects. This makes it a joy to work with – and to utilize for national defense. ICT’s unique core competencies in the areas of realism, simulation, the behaviors within simulations, and the application of simulation technology into education, training, and operations make it world-class. 

In the area of realism ICT has won Academy Awards, which is certainly unique among the DoD, but it has also developed the HDR Shop used in many games and simulations. The visualization of these realistic technologies birthed the virtual and augmented reality industries directly through spin-out activities. At the individual level of simulation, ICT’s Virtual Human Toolkit has been utilized in dozens of military training tools, deployed in dozens of STEM-outreach applications, and has more commercial items than I can discuss. In fact, an industry is starting to rise around these technologies.

At the collective level of simulation, ICTs technologies have instructed key decision-makers on how to manage country-level peace-keeping. ICTs human behaviors within simulations are currently training many individuals on interpersonal communications, such as within the SHARP schoolhouses, and also doing research into how to better model OPFOR actions for training both large and small combat operations. 

Insofar as education, training, and operations – ICT has been unique in its works with the Army University on teaching AI, with the training injects into the Synthetic Training Environment program, and the operational deployment of counter-IED training semi-trucks training into Iraq and Afghanistan which trained tens of thousands of Warfighters. Within the research community, it is somewhat unique to deploy things downrange.

ICT is also unique in its business model as a DoD UARC partnered with a private university. The business model of the ICT for the DoD is to produce the research and results within its areas, and provide deep technological reach-back capability across all major scientific disciplines. In the coming years, ICT’s status as a unit within the Viterbi School of Engineering, alongside its sister institute, the Information Sciences Institute, will leverage USC talent in areas such as microelectronics and quantum computing to enhance DoD training and operations. 

ICT freely gives its technology back to the Government, but also maintains a robust commercial technology transition office, collaborating on numerous technologies with private industry for non-defense applications. The robustness and seamlessness of this utilization is unparalleled. 

ICT is unique in its service associated with the military, and can serve as trusted and unbiased advisors into Government. The DoD has utilized this directly in their development of the One World Terrain program, to name just one project deserving of the Army’s top civilian honor – the Distinguished Civilian Service Award. The ability of the UARC to provide technical expertise side-by-side with Government employees is unique to UARCs in their policy guidance allowing “close to inherently Governmental Functions.” 

By being headquartered in Los Angeles, ICT draws on the entertainment capital of the world, where one in eight jobs is related to the creative industries, and many of its residents are triple hyphenates, holding several concurrent roles within the industry. Many of ICT’s staff and freelance contributors are creatives, contributing professional-quality scripts and scenarios to Government projects, delivering exquisitely shot materials, featuring top notch acting talent. ICT’s collaborations with the entertainment industry have brought a new level of realism and

engagement to military training simulations. Imagine the excitement as a soldier dons a headset and steps into a fully immersive virtual battlefield, complete with Hollywood-caliber sound design, special effects, and even actors playing key roles. 

ICT is also unique in its contracting mechanisms and flexibility. The ICT UARC, for its areas of specialty, has the type of contracting only dreamt about within acquisition circles. The USD(R&E) authority allows my office to have ~1 week to the start of execution on critical projects, virtually unlimited ceiling, templated requirements, and guaranteed deliverables, Government rights, and functionally no fee. Simply put, we pay for work and we get it because of ICTs unique contractual relationship as a trusted DoD research center. 

The ICT itself is a hotbed of creativity and cutting-edge research, where interdisciplinary teams of military scientists, technologists, and artists come together to explore the vast potential of technology in military training and operations. This unique partnership has produced groundbreaking advancements in virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, all with the goal of enhancing military readiness and capability. 

In running a research center on behalf of the Army on behalf of the DoD, the uniqueness of the ICT work, business, military service, creative enterprises, contracting, academic relationships, entertainment industry connections, and, most importantly, the assistance it has provided to the nation, are unparalleled within its charter. Each day I am proud and honored to serve as its Program Manager.

5 Canadian emerging writers named Writers' Trust 2024 Rising Stars

This year's cohort is ec dorgan, paola ferrante, daysha loppie, aubrianna snow and karianne trudeau beaunoyer.

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EC Dorgan, Paola Ferrante, Daysha Loppie, Aubrianna Snow and Karianne Trudeau Beaunoyer have been named the 2024 Writers' Trust of Canada's Rising Stars.

Launched in 2019, the Writers' Trust Rising Stars program is an initiative supporting Canadian writers early in their careers. Each year, five talented emerging writers are chosen and mentored by prominent Canadian authors.

The recipients also receive $5,000 and attend a two-week self-directed writing residency at Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts on the Toronto Islands.

• The CBC Books summer reading list: 45 Canadian books to read this season

Dorgan is an Edmonton-based writer of dark fiction and monster stories. She has been published in Augur Magazine, The Dread Machine, The Ex-Puritan, Metaphorosis and Novus Monstrum. She is a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta and is currently at work on her first novel.

She will be mentored by Hiromi Goto, a Japanese-Canadian writer from British Columbia. Goto's novels include  Chorus of Mushrooms , which won a Commonwealth Writers' Prize Best First Book prize in 1995 and co-won the Canada-Japan Book Award, and  Half World, which won the James Tiptree Jr. Memorial Award .  Shadow Life , illustrated by Ann Xu, is her first graphic novel and was  nominated for best graphic novel/comic at the 2022 Aurora Awards .  Goto was also shortlisted for the 2020 CBC Poetry Prize .

• In Hiromi Goto and Ann Xu's graphic novel Shadow Life, an elderly woman faces life and death on her own terms

"EC Dorgan's dark tales of loss, grief, and alienation are evocatively rendered through characters both human and monstrous," said Goto in a press statement. "Dorgan's stories arise from the land just as much as her fabulous creativity. Whether detailing the ice of the North Saskatchewan River during an Edmonton winter or describing 'where the prairies turn to willow bushes and poplar bluffs,' her attention to and respect for natural settings captured my heart and imagination."

Ferrante is a poet and fiction writer from Toronto. Her short story collection  Her Body Among Animals   was shortlisted for the 2023  Danuta Gleed Literary Award . Her other books include the poetry collection  What to Wear When Surviving A Lion Attack  and the poetry chapbook  The Dark Unwind.  She was  longlisted for the 2020 Journey Prize  and won Room's 2018 prize for fiction.

Ferrante was selected by Richard Van Camp is a Tłı̨chǫ Dene writer from Fort Smith, N.W.T., who has written over 20 books across multiple genres. His books include graphic novel  A Blanket of Butterflies , which   was nominated for an Eisner Award,  The Lesser Blessed   which was adapted into a film by First Generation Films,  Angel Wing Splash Pattern ,   Night Moves   and   We Sang You Home .  He is based in Edmonton. 

• 25 books that highlight beauty of Indigenous literature: 'It is time to tell our own stories our way'

"I can't wait to delve into Paola Ferrante's science fiction manuscript,  Completables , set in a South Padre luxury hotel where billionaires wait to flee Earth for Mars," said Van Camp in a press statement. "What a great premise — and timely! I'm so proud to be able to help."

Daysha Loppie is a Toronto-based journalist with bylines in The Local, Toronto Star, West End Phoenix and ByBlacks. She won the Len Coates Memorial Award for academic achievement for two consecutive years at Toronto Metropolitan University, from where she is graduating with a Bachelor of Journalism and a minor in Black Studies. She is currently working on a long-form piece of investigative journalism on finding lost Black burial grounds in Western Ontario. 

She was chosen as a Rising Star by John Lorinc, a journalist and editor from Toronto. He is a senior editor at Spacing and his work has appeared in The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, The Walrus and Maclean's. He won the 2022 Balsillie Prize for his book  Dream States  and the 2019-2020 Atkinson Fellowship in Public Policy.

• John Lorinc's Dream States wins $60K prize for best Canadian public policy book

"Daysha Loppie has quickly established her voice in the field of urbanist journalism with standout columns and long-form articles on arts and culture, public space, and Black history," said Lorinc in a press statement. "With keen observational skill, Loppie's writing gravitates towards granular and gritty stories that are often overlooked in urban affairs." 

Snow is a writer and educator of Mi'kmaw and settler ancestry living in Edmonton. Her work has been published in Ghost Girls Zine, Chatelaine and Muskrat Magazine. She is currently working on a piece of literary fiction as well as a collection of poetry. 

She was selected by Cree and Scottish author Monique Gray Smith. Gray Smith's books include picture books  Circle of Love   and When We Are Kind ,  both illustrated by Nicole Neidhardt, the middle-grade book  Speaking Our Truth  and novel,  Tilly and the Crazy Eights , which was on the  2021 Canada Reads longlist . She is based in Victoria, B.C.

• Monique Gray Smith explores the power of love and community in picture book Circle of Love

"Aubrianna Snow's gift for sharing stories is like a full moon, helping to heal and shine light on a path forward," said Gray Smith in a press statement. "Her dynamic weaving of words, thoughts, and feelings provides welcoming entry points for readers from various lived experiences, with different ways of knowing the world. Unique and vibrant, Snow's voice is an important addition to the Canadian literary chorus and I am honoured to be working with her." 

Trudeau Beaunoyer is a Montreal-based writer. Her poetry collection  Je suis l'ennemie  won the Émile-Nelligan prize in 2020 and was shortlisted for the Alain-Grandbois prize in 2021. Her work has been published in Estuaire, Les écrits, and Liberté. She is currently writing a novel, an essay and a poetry collection. 

She will be mentored by Montreal writer Élise Turcotte. Turcotte has won the Grand Prix du livre de Montreal, two Governor General's Literary Awards, the Prix Ringuet from the Académie des lettres du Québec and the Prix du Festival international de Poésie de Trois-Rivières. Her books include Guyana, Sombre Menagerie and The Body's Place among others. 

"Karianne Trudeau Beaunoyer's first collection of poetry raises powerful questions about poverty, social exile, and survival," said Turcotte in a press statement. "She summons the story to dig deeper, wider. Her writing is not only a promise but a revelation through imagery and voice, a rebirth."

• The top 20 Canadian books of 2024, so far

The Writers' Trust Rising Stars program is supported by presenting sponsor BMO Financial Group, Clair Duff in memory of Catherine Shepard, Deb MacLeod and Ward Sellers, as well as John Terry and Lisa Rochon. The program has also been sustained by Margaret Atwood, Balsillie Family Foundation, and Kari Cullen and William Bonnell. 

Public nominations for the 2025 Rising Stars program are accepted until August 26. The details are available on the Writers' Trust website . 

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New York Times editorial board calls Donald Trump 'unfit to lead,' urges voters to reject reelection bid

WASHINGTON - The New York Times' editorial boar d called on voters to reject Donald Trump' s reelection bid, alleging that the former president is "unfit to lead" a second term. 

“Mr. Trump has shown a character unworthy of the responsibilities of the presidency. He has demonstrated an utter lack of respect for the Constitution, the rule of law and the American people,” wrote the Times editorial board, made up of opinion journalists, in a piece published Thursday.

“Instead of a cogent vision for the country’s future, Mr. Trump is animated by a thirst for political power: to use the levers of government to advance his interests, satisfy his impulses and exact retribution against those who he thinks have wronged him,” they added. 

In the piece, the editorial board outlined five “essential” qualities and values that they feel a president must have - and that they say Trump fails on: moral fitness, principled leadership, character, a president’s words and rule of law.

“We urge voters to see the dangers of a second Trump term clearly and to reject it,” they wrote. 

Last month, the New York Times editorial board published a piece calling on President Joe Biden to drop out of the 2024 race following a disastrous debate performance. The president struggled to complete sentences during the showdown and articulate his pitch to voters.

The Times argued in its op-ed piece at the time that "the president is engaged in a reckless gamble," adding that "it's too big a bet to simply hope Americans will overlook or discount Mr. Biden's age and infirmity that they see with their own eyes."

Since the debate, a growing handful of Democratic lawmakers have called on Biden to pass the torch and exit the 2024 race for the White House.

Rep. Hillary Scholten, D-Mich., on Thursday became the 10th House member to publicly call for Biden to leave the presidential race, adding to the drip of lawmakers pushing for change.

Contributing: Riley Beggin, USA TODAY

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Afi names 2024-2025 canva fellowship recipients.

• Donald Trump Slams George Clooney For New York Times Essay Urging Joe Biden To Exit Presidential Race

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Donald Trump chastised George Clooney as a “fake movie” actor and said that he should “get out of politics,” following Clooney’s bombshell op-ed in the New York Times urging Joe Biden to exit the presidential race.

It may seem like a curious position for Trump to take, given Clooney’s questioning of Biden’s age, but the former president’s campaign is set up to run against the current president, not some other rival.

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George Clooney Calls For New Democratic Nominee In Latest Hollywood Plea For Joe Biden To Step Aside

Damon lindelof says joe biden has to go & dems need to wake up; “stop giving” money, top donor insists – guest column.

Trump also posted a mock video of Clooney in conversation with Biden.

Clooney’s op-ed helped reignite calls for Biden to step aside or reconsider his decision to stay in the race, as it seemed earlier in the week that the president’s campaign was making progress in tempering a revolt within the party. Clooney’s op-ed, though, raised questions of Biden’s fitness by pointing not just to the president’s debate performance but his appearance at a Hollywood-filled fundraiser on June 15. Biden traveled from Europe to the Los Angeles event, and appeared tired at times in his conversation with Barack Obama and Jimmy Kimmel.

Politico reported Thursday that Clooney reached out to Obama to give him a heads up about the op-ed, but the former president did not advise him or object to it.

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How the Rise of the Camera Launched a Fight to Protect Gilded Age Americans’ Privacy

Early photographers sold their snapshots to advertisers, who reused the individuals’ likenesses without their permission

Sohini Desai, History News Network

In 1904, a widow named Elizabeth Peck had her portrait taken at a studio in a small Iowa town. The photographer sold the negatives to Duffy’s Pure Malt Whiskey, a company that avoided liquor taxes for years by falsely advertising its product as medicinal. Duffy’s ads claimed the fantastical: that it cured everything from influenza to consumption, that it was endorsed by clergymen, that it could help you live until the age of 106. The portrait of Peck ended up in one of these dubious ads , published in newspapers across the country alongside what appeared to be her unqualified praise : “After years of constant use of your Pure Malt Whiskey, both by myself and as given to patients in my capacity as nurse, I have no hesitation in recommending it.”

Duffy’s lies were numerous. Peck (misleadingly identified as “Mrs. A. Schuman”) was not a nurse, and she had not spent years constantly slinging back malt beverages. In fact, she fully abstained from alcohol. Peck never consented to the ad.

The camera’s first great age—which began in 1888 when George Eastman debuted the Kodak—is full of stories like this one. Beyond the wonders of a quickly developing art form and technology lay widespread lack of control over one’s own image, perverse incentives to make a quick buck, and generalized fear at the prospect of humiliation and the invasion of privacy.

Prior to 1888, cameras often existed in a realm of mystical unknowability. In one famed story from the early days of photography, a man asks for a picture of his recently buried wife, not understanding that someone must be present in order to be photographed. The French writer Honoré de Balzac confessed to fearing that each time a daguerreotype was taken of him, a layer of his skin would be peeled off. Early cameras required a level of technical mastery that evoked mystery—a scientific instrument understood only by professionals.

All of that changed when Eastman invented flexible roll film and debuted the first Kodak camera. Instead of developing their own pictures, customers could mail their devices to the Kodak factory and have their rolls of film developed, printed, and replaced. “You press the button,” Kodak ads promised , “we do the rest.” This leap from obscure science to streamlined service forever transformed the nature of looking and being looked at.

By 1905, less than 20 years after the first Kodak camera debuted, Eastman’s company had sold 1.2 million devices and persuaded nearly a third of the United States’ population to take up photography. Kodak’s record-setting yearly ad spending—$750,000 by the end of the 19th century (roughly $28 million in today’s dollars)—and the rapture of a technology that scratched a timeless itch facilitated the onset of a new kind of mass exposure.

“The impulse to peer into others’ affairs—an age-old feature of village life—had never actually subsided,” writes historian Sarah E. Igo in The Known Citizen: A History of Privacy in Modern America . Photography became such a phenomenon that “ Kodak fiends ,” a phrase used to describe those seduced by the devilish pleasures of photography, entered the vernacular.

No one quite knew what to make of or how to control the fiendishness, and privacy was further unspooled by money-making schemes just as ferociously inventive as the new technology.

The same year Kodak cameras hit the marketplace, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle reported that Anthony Comstock—the anti-obscenity crusader after whom the 1873 Comstock Act is named—had arrested an amateur photographer for selling manually photoshopped pictures that placed “the heads of innocent women on the undraped bodies of other females.” In 1890, a mugshot photographer for the New York Police Department was fired for selling copies of the mugshots to arrestees themselves—an arrangement the New York Times described as a “lucrative business.” Boundless fascination with photographs created a bustling economy. People bought and collected random photographs from dry goods stores, general junk shops, vending machines and even cigarette packs. Demand was so robust that amateurs were just as able to sell to this market as professionals.

The ubiquity of advertising by the end of the 19th century only intensified this demand. “As the growth in productive capacity outpaced the needs of the population, commercial entrepreneurs became obsessed with creating demand for consumer products,” writes historian Samantha Barbas in Laws of Image: Privacy and Publicity in America . “The key agent in this project was advertising.”

By 1900, photography began to replace earlier image-making methods as the ad technology of choice. Photos of women were especially desirable, given their association with respectability and the belief that a pretty face could sell anything. But dominant values around modesty, avoiding indulgence and anti-consumerism meant that most people had no desire to be featured in an advertisement. Commercial modeling and stock photos did not yet exist. Faced with few choices, advertisers resorted to backdoor purchases. In an arrangement Barbas dubs “the crisis of the ‘circulating portrait,’” advertisers began buying portraits from photographers without the permission of the photos’ subjects—as was the case with Peck, temperate widow turned whiskey hound by the magic and obfuscation of advertising.

It wasn’t just ordinary people who found themselves newly exposed. Mass photography was an equalizer twice over: Nearly anybody could use a camera, and nearly anybody might be violated by one. To their grave displeasure, even the elite were unable to assert control over the frenzy. The New York Times reported that President Theodore Roosevelt was “known to exhibit impatience on discovering designs to Kodak him”; the same column mentioned that Reginald Claypoole Vanderbilt horsewhipped a man he alleged took a picture of him without permission.

Though newspapers across the country cautioned Americans to “beware the Kodak,” as the cameras were “deadly weapons” and “deadly little boxes,” many were also primary facilitators of the craze. The perfection of halftone printing coincided with the rise of the Kodak and allowed for the mass circulation of images. Newly empowered, newspapers regularly published paparazzi pictures of famous people taken without their knowledge, paying twice as much for them as they did for consensual photos taken in a studio.

Lawmakers and judges responded to the crisis clumsily. Suing for libel was usually the only remedy available to the overexposed. But libel law did not protect against your likeness being taken or used without your permission unless the violation was also defamatory in some way. Though results were middling, one failed lawsuit gained enough notoriety to channel cross-class feelings of exposure into action. A teenage girl named Abigail Roberson noticed her face on a neighbor’s bag of flour, only to learn that the Franklin Mills Flour Company had used her likeness in an ad that had been plastered 25,000 times all over her hometown.

After suffering intense shock and being temporarily bedridden, she sued. In 1902, the New York Court of Appeals rejected her claims and held that the right to privacy did not exist in common law. It based its decision in part on the assertion that the image was not libelous; Chief Justice Alton B. Parker wrote that the photo was “a very good one” that others might even regard as a “compliment to their beauty.” The humiliation, the lack of control over her own image, the unwanted fame—none of that amounted to any sort of actionable claim.

Public outcry at the decision reached a fever pitch, and newspapers filled their pages with editorial indignation. In its first legislative session following the court’s decision and the ensuing outrage, the New York state legislature made history by adopting a narrow “right to privacy,” which prohibited the use of someone’s likeness in advertising or trade without their written consent. Soon after, the Supreme Court of Georgia became the first to recognize this category of privacy claim. Eventually, just about every state court in the country followed Georgia’s lead. The early uses and abuses of the Kodak helped cobble together a right that centered on profiting from the exploitation of someone’s likeness, rather than the exploitation itself.

Not long after asserting that no right to privacy exists in common law, and while campaigning to be the Democratic nominee for president, Parker told the Associated Press, “I reserve the right to put my hands in my pockets and assume comfortable attitudes without being everlastingly afraid that I shall be snapped by some fellow with a camera.” Roberson publicly took him to task over his hypocrisy, writing , “I take this opportunity to remind you that you have no such right.” She was correct then, and she still would be today. The question of whether anyone has the right to be free from exposure and its many humiliations lingers, intensified but unresolved. The law—that reactive, slow thing—never quite catches up to technology, whether it’s been given one year or 100.

This essay is from History News Network , a University of Richmond project dedicated to new interpretations of the past. Read more and subscribe to HNN’s newsletter here .

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